Economics (MSc)

Why study this course

The principal aim of this programme is to provide you with advanced knowledge and understanding of the major aspects of Economics and help prepare you for a career in economics, business, consultancy or the government sector.

If you achieve an overall average mark of 60% (and 60% or above in at least half of the taught modules) you’ll have the opportunity to apply to undertake further research training via entry into the 1-year MRes programme with potential to then proceed to the +2 thesis stage of the Economics PhD programme.

Distinctive features

You will be part of a community which is committed to delivering social improvement alongside economic development in the world’s first Public Value Business School.

You will study at a Business School ranked 1st in the UK for research environment and 6th for research excellence (REF 2014).

You will be a student of the only business school in Wales accredited by AACSB international (and one of only 5% worldwide).

You will be exposed to recent developments in research and will develop a sophisticated understanding of modern theories and research findings.

Our facilities include a fully functioning trading room giving you access to the latest market data.

Admissions criteria

This programme is suitable for graduates or experienced practitioners in economics or economics-related fields from a recognised institution. Students would normally be expected to have a 2:1 degree (GPA 3.0/4.0) in Economics or a related subject, or significant relevant work experience.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to obtain a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0 with 7.0 in writing, and at least 6.5 in all other categories. (or an equivalent English language qualification).

Criminal convictions

You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.

If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:

access to computers or devices that can store images

use of internet and communication tools/devices

curfews

freedom of movement

contact with people related to Cardiff University.

Course structure

The Programme is offered in full-time mode and lasts twelve months. You will take a total of 8 taught modules compiled from a combination of compulsory and optional modules in stage one, and complete a dissertation in stage two.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2020/21 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2020.

Core knowledge and understanding, intellectual and other skills are acquired via lectures, seminars and guided study. These activities will include staff and student-led presentations and case studies. Some optional modules also involve practical sessions.

More advanced knowledge and understanding is acquired by independent study, computer aided learning and, in some options, project work. In respect of other skills, you will also have the opportunity to benefit from the Trading Room located at the School and attend University approved courses provided by the Careers Service.

The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.

Learning and assessment

How will I be taught?

You will be expected to attend all timetabled sessions and are also expected to engage in independent study. You will receive supervision to help you complete the dissertation, but will be expected to manage your own time to undertake significant independent study during this phase.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment methods vary from module to module but, across your degree scheme as a whole, you can expect as a minimum a mixture of exams, coursework, essays, presentations and individual projects.

How will I be supported?

You will be allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of your studies. Normally, your personal tutor will teach on your own degree course and you will keep the same personal tutor throughout your course.

Your personal tutor will be able to give you advice on academic issues, including module choice and assessment. If you encounter any problems which affect your studies, your personal tutor should always be your first point of contact; they will be able to put you in touch with the wide range of expert student support services provided by the University and the Students' Union as appropriate. You are required to meet with your personal tutor at three points during each academic year but you are also encouraged to get in touch with them at any other point if you need help or advice.

For day-to-day information, the staff of our Postgraduate Student Hub are available, in person, by telephone or by email, from 9am to 5pm each weekday during term time to answer your questions.

What skills will I practise and develop?

Knowledge & Understanding:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding of the main features of modern economics;

An understanding of the workings of domestic and global economies;

Be aware of key theoretical, conceptual and empirical debates in economics.

Intellectual Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

Use economic and statistical concepts to analyse specific contemporary problems;

Evaluate critically economic theory and appreciate its relevance to the development and analysis of policy options;

Have the ability to access key sources of economic data and to appreciate their deficiencies and limitations;

Be able to understand the empirical investigation of economic issues and to elucidate and evaluate empirical findings of leading researchers.

Professional Practical Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

The application of theoretical concepts to simplify complex situations, thereby providing a framework within which effective problem solving and decision making can take place;

Apply deductive reasoning and logical analysis to problems and produce analytical written reports of a professional standard;

Organise, analyse and present statistical data and other factual financial and economic information;

Identify, analyse and model key variables and relationships, highlight trends and determine predictors which can be used by decision makers and in policy formulation;

Identify and analyse the implications of government and international policies on key economic outcomes;

Understand and evaluate the role of incentives and strategic thinking in determining individual behaviour and in achieving group goals.

Transferable/Key Skills:

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

Tuition fees

UK and EU students (2020/21)

Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.

EU students entering in 2020/21 will pay the same tuition fee as UK students for the duration of their course. Please be aware that fees may increase annually in line with inflation. No decisions regarding fees and loans for EU students starting in 2020/21 have been made yet. These will be determined as part of the UK's discussions on its membership of the EU and we will provide further details as soon as we can.

Students from outside the EU (2020/21)

Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.

Additional costs

Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?

No

Careers and placements

A master’s degree in Economics provides students with a thorough and advanced understanding of economics and quantitative methods and a training in using statistical data (especially relating to the economic and financial world) to write reports and make oral presentations. As such it provides suitable training for a range of careers including working in government policy, as a public or private sector economist, as a management consultant or an analyst in business or financial services.

Placements

We do not currently offer placements as part of this academic programme